Operation Sindoor Debate Set for Parliament as Bihar SIR Row Eases Gridlock

In a breakthrough during the ongoing Monsoon Session, the government and opposition reached a consensus to hold a 16-hour debate on “Operation Sindoor” starting July 28 in the Lok Sabha, followed by a discussion in the Rajya Sabha the next day. The decision came after an all-party meeting convened by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, paving the way for smoother parliamentary proceedings after days of disruption.

The consensus allows the Houses to resume business, with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh scheduled to lead the Operation Sindoor debate, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi expected to participate once he returns from abroad.

. The mission, hailed by the government as a success, has become a focal point of both national pride and political contention. Opposition parties are expected to question the scope, accountability, and international repercussions of the strike.

Meanwhile, tensions over the Bihar SIR (Special Summary Revision of voter rolls) exercise, which had brought Parliament to a standstill, remain unresolved but are temporarily off the agenda. Opposition parties accused the Election Commission of rushing the revision process, potentially disenfranchising large numbers of migrant and marginalized voters. The JD(U) also criticized the timing, pointing to challenges posed by the monsoon season.

Despite these concerns, opposition leaders agreed to prioritise the Operation Sindoor discussion, temporarily setting aside the SIR issue to ensure the House could function.

The government has reiterated its commitment to transparency and open debate, with BJP leaders welcoming the opportunity to showcase national security achievements. Congress, RJD, and other INDIA bloc parties, however, continue to demand a more detailed response from the Prime Minister, including clarifications on alleged U.S. involvement in post-strike diplomacy.